| Summary: | The present work describes the synthesis, characterization, and photomineralization activity of synthesized Ce<sub>1−x</sub>Zn<sub>x</sub>O<sub>2−x</sub> solid solution catalysts allowing the degradation of diclofenac as a model of anti-inflammatory medicines in water. The oxygen-deficient photocatalyst Ce<sub>1−x</sub>Zn<sub>x</sub>O<sub>2−x</sub> (CeZnx), produced by mixing ZnO and CeO<sub>2</sub>, is characterized for its crystallographic parameters, specific surface area, and morphology. Photomineralization activity determination using TOC analysis shows efficient diclofenac photo-oxidation under sunlight. Moreover, the results indicate that the coexistence of Zn<sup>2+</sup> and Ce<sup>4+</sup> and the oxygen vacancies rate in CeZnx solid solution are key factors for strong drug mineralization. Ultimately, CeZn0.1, which is one of the photocatalysts synthesized in the present work, represents a cheap and efficient reagent for organic matter photomineralization in wastewater.
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